The museum is one of four shortlisted for the prize

Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham is one of four finalists for the inaugural �100,000 Gulbenkian Prize.

The site is curently closed until September 2004 for extensive redevelopment work.

But the museum has been recognised for an outreach project focusing on local family history where people were encouraged to produce their own exhibitions and oral archives.

We are looking for museums moving beyond the best of current practice. Chair of judges Bamber Gascoigne

Spokeswoman Ceryl Evans said the fact the museum building is closed has not dampened the celebrations.

"The idea for us is to get out there in the community because a museum is more about a concept than just the four walls of a building," she said.

Author and broadcaster Bamber Gascoigne will chair the judging alongside a panel including actress Joanna Lumley.

Mr Gascoigne said: "Imagination, innovation, extending the very concept of the museum: these were our yardsticks.

Television documentary

"We are looking for museums moving beyond the best of current practice.

"The next stage will be even harder for the judges. We have four worthy winners to choose from."

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London on 15 May.